STOP Sports Injuries Newsroom

There are alarming trends in "professional-level" injuries among youth sports participants. Orthopaedic surgeons see two trends: the number of youth injuries is reaching epidemic proportions and youth are experiencing overuse injuries at a younger and younger age. The high rate of youth sports injuries is fueled by an increase in overuse and trauma injuries and a lack of attention paid to proper injury prevention.

To address these issues, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and its collaborators created STOP Sports Injuries, designed to help parents, coaches, healthcare providers and athletes learn more about the prevention, treatment and long-term consequences of overuse and trauma injury. Armed with the correct information and tools, today's youth athletes can remain healthy, play safe and stay in the game for life.

Overuse injuries impact young athletes in the short term and often lead to long-term consequences. This type of injury may become apparent during the course of play. Using proper preventative measures such as pre-participation physicals, stretching, cross-training, hydration and open communication about pain among all participants (coaches, athletes, parents and healthcare providers) can help aid recovery and avoid long-term consequences.

It is important for everyone who plays a role in a young athlete's life—parents, coaches and healthcare providers—to put the athlete's health and safety first and to quickly and honestly communicate about issues of pain, injury and the need for proper recovery.